Working from home with a dog can feel amazing and overwhelming at the same time. You love having your furry coworker nearby, but the barking during calls, random zoomies, and constant requests for attention can make it hard to focus.
This guide shares simple routines and setup ideas that help your dog relax while you work, so you can feel productive and still be a kind pet parent.
Give Your Dog A Clear, Cozy Spot Near Your Desk
Many dogs pace and paw at you because they are not sure where they are supposed to be during your workday. A clear resting spot near your desk gives your dog a job that feels safe and predictable.
Pick a spot your dog can choose on their own
Look for a place within a few feet of your chair, but not in the main walkway. Under your desk, beside your chair, or in a corner of the room can all work. The goal is for your dog to be close enough to feel included, without blocking your chair or cables.
Keep the setup simple and calm
- A supportive dog bed or mat that is comfortable on hard floors.
- A soft blanket that smells like home or you.
- One quiet chew or toy that only comes out during work time.
You want this spot to feel like a nap zone, not a play zone. Save squeaky and tug toys for your breaks.
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Use A Short Pre Work Routine To Take The Edge Off
Energetic dogs often struggle during work hours because they have not had a chance to move their body or use their brain. A small routine before you open your laptop can make the rest of the morning much calmer.
Build a fifteen minute warm up
Pick two or three of these and stack them together:
- Five to ten minute walk around the block or building.
- A short sniff walk where your dog can explore slowly.
- Two or three minutes of easy training such as sit, down, or hand target.
- Very short game of fetch or tug if your dog enjoys it.
When you repeat this most weekdays, your dog starts to learn that a bit of activity is followed by quiet time near your desk. Dogs usually relax more easily when they can predict what comes next.
Keep A Small Toolkit For Calls And Deep Focus Time
Even with good routines, there will be times when you really need quiet, such as meetings or deep focus work. A simple toolkit of food based activities can help your dog settle while you are busy.
Choose a few food based activities
- Lick mats with a thin layer of dog safe spread, then frozen.
- Stuffed food toys that take time to empty.
- Snuffle mats with part of the meal hidden inside.
- Long lasting chews that your dog can enjoy while lying down.
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Match the activity to the length of your call
- Fifteen minute call: Small lick mat or quick snuffle mat.
- Thirty minute meeting: Stuffed food toy from the freezer.
- One hour deep work block: Long lasting chew plus a comfortable bed.
Keep these items special and mostly use them when you need quiet. This makes them more exciting for your dog and helps them settle faster when you really need it.
Keep The Workspace Calm For Both Of You
Dogs often react to our environment and energy. A cluttered floor or noisy space can make both of you feel unsettled. You do not need a perfect office, but a few small changes can make your workday easier.
Clear the floor and cables
- Use cable clips or sleeves so cords are not tempting chew toys.
- Pick up loose items that roll, such as pens or hair ties.
- Add a small basket for dog toys so they have a home at the end of the day.
Create a simple daily rhythm
- Before work: Short walk, sniff time, and a little training.
- Start of work: Settle your dog on their bed with a chew or quiet toy.
- Midday: Potty break, a few tosses of a toy, and water check.
- End of day: Put toys in the basket and enjoy a few minutes of play or cuddles.
The goal is not a strict schedule. You are simply building a rhythm so your dog understands that there is time to play and time to rest.
Working From Home With Your Dog Can Feel Calmer
You do not have to choose between being productive and being a good pet parent. With a cozy spot near your desk, a short pre work routine, and a small toolkit for busy moments, your dog can learn to relax while you work.
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